Kazakhstan and Cambodia are expanding cooperation in digital technology, trade and tourism. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet adopted a Joint Statement following expanded-format talks on October 17, according to the Akorda press service. The leaders also witnessed the exchange of six memorandums, including one establishing twin-city relations between Astana and Phnom Penh, DKNews.kz reports.
Turning shared intentions into practical cooperation
Tokayev said Hun Manet’s first visit to Kazakhstan would open a new chapter in bilateral relations and help translate shared intentions into concrete action.
«This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Over the years, our states have maintained a constructive political dialogue and consistently developed mutually beneficial cooperation. Our shared vision for the future will be formally enshrined in the Joint Statement we will adopt today. We will also sign a number of documents. Kazakhstan regards Cambodia as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia and an important link in expanding our partnership with ASEAN countries,» the President said.
Tokayev highlighted the two countries’ active engagement on the international stage, including through their Permanent Missions to the United Nations. He praised Cambodia’s support for Kazakhstan’s initiatives on several issues on the UN General Assembly agenda.
The President also acknowledged Cambodia’s socioeconomic achievements under Hun Manet’s leadership. He said Kazakhstan supports the Cambodian leadership’s efforts to achieve the long-term strategic goals outlined in Cambodia Vision 2050 and the Pentagonal Strategy.
AI and digital government feature prominently
High technology was a key focus of the talks. Tokayev highlighted considerable potential for closer cooperation, with the Cambodian delegation scheduled to visit the Alem.ai International Centre to learn about Kazakhstan’s achievements and developments in artificial intelligence.
«I am aware that you and members of your delegation have a keen interest in the measures our country is taking to advance artificial intelligence. Today, you will visit the Alem.ai International Centre, where our specialists will brief you on the achievements and key developments in this field. According to the UN E-Government Development Index, our country is demonstrating positive momentum, including in related areas. I am confident that, with mutual interest and firm political will, we can achieve significant progress in expanding cooperation across many areas of mutual interest,» the Head of State said.
Two of the six memorandums address digital cooperation. They involve the countries’ relevant ministries, alongside Kazakhstan’s National Information Technologies JSC and Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, and cover areas including digital government, GovTech and information and communication technologies.
Kazakhstan-educated Cambodians now serve in government
Hun Manet highlighted the strong cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries, pointing to Cambodian graduates of Kazakhstan’s educational institutions who now hold senior public-sector positions.
«More than 120 Cambodian students have studied in Kazakhstan. Many of them now hold responsible positions in government institutions, including as governors of several provinces, state secretaries and officials in various ministries. Thus, our countries are connected by a shared history and strong people-to-people ties,» the Prime Minister noted.
He said Cambodia is also interested in developing cooperation in food security, agriculture and manufacturing.
Both leaders expressed confidence that the talks would help increase bilateral trade, strengthen business ties and open new opportunities for partnership.
Which six memorandums were exchanged?
Following the adoption of the Joint Statement, the following intergovernmental and interagency documents were exchanged in the presence of Tokayev and Hun Manet:
- A Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and Cambodia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
- A Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, National Information Technologies JSC and Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior on cooperation in digital government, GovTech and information and communication technologies.
- A Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration and Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce on trade and economic cooperation.
- A Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts on cooperation in culture and the arts.
- A Memorandum of Understanding between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism on tourism cooperation.
- A Memorandum of Understanding on establishing twin-city relations between Astana and Phnom Penh.
Previously, we reported on Kazakhstan and Belgium’s plans to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, investment and education.
